Novel High-Entropy FeCoNiMoZn-Layered Hydroxide as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Developing efficient and cost-effective catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is crucial for water splitting and hydrogen generation.
• High-entropy materials (HEMs) are gaining attention in electrocatalysis due to their unique properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel high-entropy hydroxide (HEH) catalyst for enhanced OER performance.
• To investigate the catalytic activity and stability of the new material in alkaline media.

Main Methods:

• A FeCoNiMoZn-OH high entropy hydroxide (HEH) catalyst was synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using a pulsed electrochemical deposition method at room temperature.
• The OER activity was evaluated by measuring overpotential and Tafel slope in alkaline media.

Main Results:

• The FeCoNiMoZn-OH HEH exhibited a 3D porous nanosheet morphology and polycrystalline structure.
• The catalyst demonstrated extraordinary OER activity with a low overpotential of 248 mV at 10 mA cm^-2 and a Tafel slope of 30 mV dec^-1.
• Excellent catalytic stability was observed for the FeCoNiMoZn-OH HEH.

Conclusions:

• The enhanced OER performance is attributed to the porous morphology and synergistic effects between Mo and Zn.
• This study offers new insights into designing high-entropy materials for catalytic applications.
• The developed HEH catalyst shows promise for efficient hydrogen production via water splitting.